The South Willamette Valley consistently ranks high nationally for levels of air pollution. According to the American Lung Association, Eugene-Springfield was the 14th worse in the country for “short-term particle pollution” in 2013.

Air pollution is a complex mixture of chemicals and particulate matter –so complex, scientists still don’t know exactly what’s in the air we breathe. But now they’re one step closer.

A pilot research project will study the health effects of air pollution in West Eugene.

A new technology will be deployed to track West Eugene residents' exposure to air pollutants. Participants will wear a wristband that takes air samples, use a cell phone app to transmit data and a spirometer to test lung function. Oregon State University Environmental Health Sciences Center is running the study. They've been working closely with Lisa Arkin of Beyond Toxics.